Adam Schefter was the first to break the news.
Former Saints S Malcom Jenkins to Philly on a 3-year, $16.25M deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2014
Jenkins soon tweeted his good-byes and well-wishes to Saints fans.
Very excited about being a part of the Eagles">@Eagles organization! I loved every minute I spent in New Orleans but all good things come to an end.
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) March 11, 2014
Who Dat fans I hope I continue to have your love and support as we part ways! Thank you for everything!
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) March 11, 2014
With this player departure, the Saints are now down to seven players remaining from their 2009 championship team. This number could quickly become six if OT Zach Strief leaves for another team this offseason.
Larry Holder points out an interesting fact:
As of now, Kenny Vaccaro is the only #Saints safety under contract on the roster. Bush has been tendered as an RFA. So eventually two.
— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) March 11, 2014
On the brighter side, the Saints have just scheduled a visit for tonight with former Bills safety Jairus Byrd, so Mickey Loomis may be filling Jenkins former spot soon if the two sides can reach agreement on a contract.
Jairus Byrd visiting the Saints as safety market moves quickly http://t.co/tAwzjht4WE
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 11, 2014
They wouldn't bring Byrd here otherwise RT @whodat_09_10: @LarryHolder Larry, you really think we can make cap room to sign him?
— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) March 11, 2014
#Saints can definitely clear enough cap space for Byrd if they want to. Haven't restructured any contracts yet, like they usually do.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) March 11, 2014
J.Byrd was asked in his ESPN fan chat: "...what stadiums have the best fan atmosphere? Byrd: Probably the Saints. I would say New Orleans.
— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) March 11, 2014